The holders of the country's highest royal honour, membership of the Order of New Zealand, met for dinner last night for the first time at Government House in Auckland.
Those at the dinner were (back row) Sir Miles Warren, Professor Lloyd Geering, Sir Paul Reeves, CK Stead, Ken Douglas, Sir Brian Lochore, Sir Don McKinnon, Jim Bolger, Jonathan Hunt, Sir Murray Halberg and (front) Dame Miriam Dell, Lady June Blundell, Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, Prime Minister John Key (not a member), Dame Catherine Tizard and Sir Owen Woodhouse.
Some members weren't present at the dinner, including former PM Mike Moore, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Cardinal Tom Williams. Members usually meet for their annual dinner in Wellington. The Order of New Zealand was introduced in 1987 to recognise outstanding service. Ordinary membership is restricted to 20 living people at one time.
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